Palouse Falls

Todd Sain Sr.

8 years ago

Source: https://bit.ly/2KpCKuy Photographer: Kid Clutch CC License: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Palouse Falls Facts

Firstly, Palouse Falls serves as the name of a rather remote waterfall, located on the Palouse River. It also sits roughly 4 mi (6.4 km) upstream from where the river joins the much larger Snake River.
Both of these formed in the state of Washington, in the United States, in North America. As a result of its beauty, the falls constitute the central feature of a large park there, the Palouse Falls State Park.
On February 12, 2014, the Washington House of Representatives passed a bill specifically pertaining to this site. In it, they unanimously chose this stunning site as the official state waterfall in Washington.
Finally, the proposal for the bill actually began in a most unique manner. That’s because it started when a group of elementary school students in a nearby town decided to lobby the state legislature.

Kuang Si Falls Ebor Falls Gocta Cataracts

Source: https://bit.ly/2tI6SHe Photographer: PJ Blalock Public Domain Image

Palouse Falls Physical Description

Most notably, the breathtaking Palouse Falls represents a variety of waterfall known as a two-tiered waterfall. Its first drop is small, with the upper falls measuring only 18 ft (5.9 m). However, the second drop lies about 1,000 ft (305 m) from the upper falls. The lower falls portion measures about 180 ft (55 m).

In addition, the majesty of the location does not stop there. In fact, both sections of the beautiful waterfall actually reside within an amazing location in its own right. This magical location is a canyon which itself measures roughly 337 ft (115 m) in depth and remains surrounded by vast scablands.

This area also remains highly characterized by many other features. These include interconnected flood-created coulees, cataracts, plunge pools, potholes, rock benches, buttes, and pinnacles. The Missoula Floods which swept through the region repeatedly during the Pleistocene Epoch formed both the canyon and falls.

Source: https://bit.ly/2Ks4rTA
Photographer: Mark Wagner
CC License: https://bit.ly/24dGLTK

Palouse Falls Economic and Recreational History

First of all, in 1984, the government presented a plan that many people living in the region strongly opposed. That’s because those government officials proposed the construction of a 98 ft (30 m) high dam upstream from Palouse Falls. Residents understandably felt it threatened the local environment.

The idea of the government was to provide less expensive hydroelectricity for the residents of the region. However, a significant majority of local residents voted against the construction because they preferred to retain the higher electric rates in return for preserving the falls.

Due to the efforts of the populace, the area has since maintained the majority of its stunning natural beauty. As a result of their actions, the areas surrounding the falls now serves as a popular recreational spot, most especially for those who enjoy kayaking.